Although the used car market is extremely wonky right now, you can still find a car for under $3,000. Yes, that might sound hard to believe, but it’s true. And no, nearly any car you can find for under $3,000 is likely not going to be a cream puff by any means. But here is what you can expect when you shop for a used car in the uber-cheap price range.

What can I expect from a car that costs $3,000 or less?

If you’re shopping in the $3,000 and below range, then you can expect to get a car that was built in the 90s to early 2000s, according to Cars Direct. Take a quick scan of Facebook Marketplace or your local Craigslist ads and you’re sure to find a plethora of different makes and models that fit your bargain-basement price. However, just keep in mind that many of them may be dinged, dented, multi-colored, or even salvaged.

In terms of mechanical condition, you can expect to find cars with high mileage counts, engine or transmission issues, and most likely even suspension issues. Don’t worry, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Speaking of the inside, don’t be surprised if a lot of the cars at this price point have worn-out interiors with cracked dashboards and door panels. Also, there’s a good chance that the seats in them have seen better days.

Where can I find a car for $3,000 or less?

As stated before, your local Craigslist ads or Facebook Marketplace are great places to start when looking for a cheap car. If you’re in dire need of a car, then we suggest checking these classifieds every day to see what people post on there. You never know, you could find a few hidden gems.

If you have some time, then you can check out auction sites like eBay or Cars and Bids to see if there are any cars that fit your budget there. If not, then check out some local private dealerships in your area. Yes, these are the small “mom and pop” dealers that typically have “buy here, pay here” signs out front. However, just remember not to finance anything through them as the interest rates are astronomical and repayment terms are ridiculous compared to those of traditional auto loans.

Then again, if you’re only looking to spend $3,000, it would be better to have that kind of money in cash, so make sure you have that amount saved up.

Remember to always get a pre-purchase inspection done

Once you find your golden gem of a car in the $3,000 price range, don’t pull the trigger too soon. Instead, pay a little money – typically around $100 – and make sure to get a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic. That inspection may cost you money upfront, but it can save you thousands of dollars if it turns out that the car is not a good buy.

Also, remember to always check the car’s history report through Carfax or Autocheck. While these reports won’t tell you everything, they can at least clue you in to any major repairs or whether or not the car has a branded title.

Finding a car for $3,000 is still possible during these crazy car price times. It could take a little more time and effort, but you could end up finding a diamond in the rough. Even if that diamond has a worn interior and mismatched body panels.